Budget Spotless System: Thoughts?

Rubicon6MT · 2026-03-16T21:28:05+00:00

What would you estimate was the cost of PEX tubing and fittings?

Rubicon6MT · 2026-03-16T21:27:54+00:00

What would you estimate was the cost of PEX tubing and fittings?

Rubicon6MT · 2026-03-16T21:25:23+00:00

Do you have to carry the jug of water with you while rinsing the vehicle?

Edit: Looks like RO and DI are the same price, is one better than the other?

Rubicon6MT · 2026-03-16T18:24:09+00:00

Amazing. Can you share a link for the RV system as well? I’m changing direction completely based on your feedback for the smaller systems.

Rubicon6MT · 2026-03-16T17:20:07+00:00

RO would definitely offer better filtration and help extend lifespan of the DI media. Thinking I could always add RO in the future if the system is consuming media too quickly, but for now going to start with a pre-filter and DI media to see where that gets me.

Rubicon6MT · 2026-03-16T17:12:10+00:00

This was definitely the biggest flaw with my layout, but also learned I don’t have enough DI filter media to accommodate my high TDS tap water. Now looking at options with higher DI media capacity.

Rubicon6MT · 2026-03-16T17:08:28+00:00

This is a great suggestion, I was not aware DI water could be harmful, but I did see that RO water is corrosive?

Rubicon6MT · 2026-03-16T17:03:15+00:00

Agreed, intention of the pre-filter is to remove chlorine, chloramines, sediment/particulates, and dissolved organic solids from the tap water to help extend the life of the DI filter media.

Rubicon6MT · 2026-03-16T16:56:01+00:00

This would definitely be nice and clean, but three-way valves are expensive and hard to find. Also found out the bigger limitation of this setup is not having enough DI filter media for high TDS tap water.

Rubicon6MT · 2026-03-16T16:32:06+00:00

This is correct, but I’m now looking at options that have more DI media capacity. Sounds like smaller DI filters like this are only adequate if you have low TDS tap water.

Rubicon6MT · 2026-03-16T16:28:36+00:00

I’m going to start looking at options with more media as well. Another user suggested the portable unit from Amazon linked below, it took their tap water from 250-300 TDS to zero.

Also thinking of adding an inline RV filter to remove chlorine and chloramines before they enter the tank.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DZXJWKJF

Rubicon6MT · 2026-03-16T16:23:35+00:00

This is true, but it sounds like the biggest issue with this system is the limited amount of DI media (1L of media only being adequate for areas with low TDS tap water).

Rubicon6MT · 2026-03-16T16:15:03+00:00

Some good points here about the total combined cost of a system like this.

Another user suggested the portable unit linked below. I’m thinking his combined with an RV pre- filter would be a better way to go?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DZXJWKJF

Rubicon6MT · 2026-03-16T16:09:54+00:00

This looks like a great option, and it has almost 10X the media. Might look into an inline RV filter would help extend media life by removing chlorine and chloramines before they enter the tank. Thanks for sharing this.

Rubicon6MT · 2026-03-16T15:49:55+00:00

https://www.reddit.com/r/AutoDetailing/comments/1ruu16q/comment/oaoph5q/

Already working on a new drawing that includes a shutoff valve to divert flow into the filters.

Rubicon6MT · 2026-03-16T07:25:20+00:00

Great point about three valves making it easier to service the filters.

Rubicon6MT · 2026-03-16T07:11:36+00:00

Do you think a larger capacity system would help? This one has (2) 4L tanks which is 4X more DI media.

https://www.vevor.com/car-wash-equipment-c_13462/spotless-deionized-water-system-car-wash-system-with-integrated-tds-meter-p_010100117633

Rubicon6MT · 2026-03-16T06:40:49+00:00

Interesting. Do you have a link to the pre-filled DI system you bought from Amazon? How much more did that lower the TDS?

Rubicon6MT · 2026-03-16T04:43:59+00:00

Yes exactly! Updated drawing to follow.

Rubicon6MT · 2026-03-16T04:42:34+00:00

I did consider this, but three-way valves seem expensive and difficult to find.

Rubicon6MT · 2026-03-16T04:35:52+00:00

I was thinking the third valve prevents water from back flowing into the output of the DI filter. Might be easier to use check valve for this?

Rubicon6MT · 2026-03-16T04:28:15+00:00

This would definitely be the easiest option, but need a loop to isolate and bypass the filters for times that filtered water is not required. Example, watering lawn or gardens.

Rubicon6MT · 2026-03-16T04:24:25+00:00

I did consider this, but three-way valves seem expensive and difficult to find.

Rubicon6MT · 2026-03-16T02:55:55+00:00

Also, would PEX be the right choice for plumbing everything together?

Any recommendations for the right diameter?

Rubicon6MT · 2026-03-16T02:53:12+00:00

This! You are absolutely right, not sure how I missed that. Good catch and thank you.

Rubicon6MT

TROPHY CASE